Phil’s Muscle Biopsy

Here are the results from my thigh muscle biopsy done at NYP Columbia University on March 17, 2016:

This biopsy shows a myopathic process with a mild element of chronic myofiber atrophy, mild multifocal inflammatory cell infiltrates and variable mild endomysial fibrosis; a rare necrotic fiber is seen in paraffin sections only.  Overt neurogenic changes are not evident  There is significant upregulation of sarcolemmal HLA-A,B,C (HMC class I antigens) in the biopsy, that along with these albeit mild inflammatory infiltrates, is most consistent with an immune mediated disorder of muscle.  Myofibers also show mild clump lysosomal and mitochondrial stainings and mildly increased lipid droplets that may be a reflection of a hypermetabolic state. Accompanying mild element of COX deficiency fibers (largely partial; cannot exclude staining artifact) may be seen in the context of chronic muscle disorders. The patchy pattern of inflammatory cell infiltrates may be seen in the context of a statin myopathy, or possibly another myopathic process exacerbated by statin toxicity.  Possibility of a mild polymyositis or paranaeoplastic condition is also raised. Further correlation with clinical and biochemical findings is needed.
(bold emphasis added by me)
Ahead to Useful Resources
Back to my welcome page